For years, side hustles were a taboo topic at work. In 2025, that mindset will cost you talent.
The reality? 80% of young Australians either have a side hustle or want one. From freelancing to online stores to creative ventures, side hustles have gone mainstream. They’re not a threat to loyalty - they’re a signal of ambition.
Why the hustle?
Cost of living is one driver, but it’s not the whole story. Side hustles also let people:
Build skills they can’t always explore in their day job.
Pursue passions and creative outlets.
Experiment with business ideas that could one day grow.
ABS data shows multiple job holders are on the rise - 6.5% of the workforce in 2025 vs 5.1% in 2020. And the 20–24 age group is leading the way.
Transferable skills you can’t ignore
Side hustles often sharpen the exact skills employers value: project management, client communication, creativity, financial literacy. Instead of fearing distraction, see them as on-the-job training grounds.
Take Isabella, an Account Executive at Hatch who also runs a wedding celebrant business on weekends. Her side hustle hones the same skills - storytelling, organisation, relationship-building - that make her great in sales. That’s a win-win for her employer.
The smart employer brand move
The best companies in 2025 won’t just allow side hustles, they’ll celebrate them
